Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday stressed the importance of a unified national position during talks with a delegation from the Democratic Gathering, underlining that rational positions would support the upcoming negotiation process following a permanent ceasefire.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun said Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, would represent the country at a preparatory meeting at the U.S. State Department to raise the issue of extending the ceasefire deadline and halting Israeli demolition operations in southern villages.

He emphasized that Lebanon's approach to negotiations is clear: no concessions or compromises that undermine sovereignty or national interest. Aoun defended his choice of dialogue, noting that past wars have only brought destruction and displacement.

The president highlighted ongoing coordination with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and former leader Walid Jumblatt, among others, to consolidate efforts for a permanent ceasefire.

He added that most political parties are aware of the stage's sensitivity and reject any threats to civil peace, stressing that both security measures and public awareness are essential to prevent strife.

Aoun also affirmed that the state is addressing the displacement file, supporting residents in the south, and working to ensure their resilience, concluding that national responsibility is shared and requires collective effort to steer Lebanon toward stability.